A-Rod 'overwhelmed' by fans

Alex Rodriguez had a day off to think about the “overwhelming” reception he received in his season debut at Yankee Stadium.

A-Rod did not play Saturday in the New York Yankees’ 9-3 loss to Detroit, a game that began about 13 hours after Rodriguez struck out three times in four at-bats during a 10-inning victory over the Tigers.

“Just a day, it’s a quick turnaround and he’s coming off an injury,” manager Joe Girardi said. “If we don’t have that late night maybe I play him today.”

Rodriguez left the ballpark Friday night without talking to the media, but he was upbeat and smiling throughout a chat in front of his locker before Saturday’s game.

The one topic he wouldn’t discuss: a report that said he was given a letter by the Yankees stating that they are thinking of fining him for violating the collective bargaining agreement in late July.

Citing anonymous sources, ESPNNewYork reported the Yankees could fine him for seeking an unapproved second opinion on his strained quadriceps. He can also be penalized for failing to show up for work July 12 after meeting with Major League baseball officials conducting the investigation into Biogenesis, the now-closed Florida anti-aging clinic.

“Maybe they sent it to my lawyers, but I’m not really going to talk about that,” Rodriguez said.

A call to general manager Brian Cashman on Saturday was not returned.

Coming off January hip surgery, Rodriguez played his first game in New York since a horrendous postseason and since appealing the 211-game doping suspension he was given last week.

He received a mix of cheers and boos throughout the pregame and a good number of fans stood and applauded during his first at-bat against Detroit’s Rick Porcello. But any good vibes quickly turned to jeers when he struck out.

“I was having a hard time keeping my emotions in check,” Rodriguez said of the welcome. “So much better than I even dreamed of. I just felt the love walking around the city. What people are screaming, pretty incredible. This city is the greatest city in the world.”